What's the story behind the Hunter 54?

[Ron Karolyi]

Hi all,Just wanted to find out the story behind the Hunter 54. I find it curious that Hunter only made it for three years and then never made another large yacht again. Were there a lot of flaws with this model? Why did Cherubini design just the hull on the 54? Maybe it just didn't sell well. Thanks for any info...this has my curiousity.Ron Karolyi1980 Hunter 33

 

[Greg Stebbins]

Hunter 54 –Little known facts!

Ron,It isn’t commonly known but the 54 was to be Hunter’s and the World’s largest trailer able sailboat. The boat had a few “issues” which the public found less than desirable.1. Stepping the mast in a public ramp parking lot took so long and the boat was so heavy that often when ready to head for the lamp, the owner would find the trailer sunk to the axles in the tarmac.2. When approaching the ramp with a rigged 54, even the smallest grade would cause the boat to drag the tow vehicle and trailer, brakes howling, completely out of sight.3. There were only 2 recorded successful trailer loadings for the 54. However, see #44. 2 origional owners killed themselves rather than face the boat ramp a second time.Greg

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

How succesful do you need.

Greg,  I think you're being overly picky. If you can get the boat launched, why are you complaining about getting an extra launch (the boat and the car) for the price of one. Think of it as a deterent to car thieves while you are out sailing. Besides, it your story is to be believed, no one has made any complaints about retrieving the boat. So no problem.Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo